The Hero of Numbani

Overwatch #1

By: Nicky Drayden

Narrated by: Cherrelle Skeete

In the technologically advanced African city of Numbani, in the not-so-distant future, humans live in harmony with humanoid robots known as omnics. But when a terrorist tries to shatter that unity, a hero named Efi Oladele rises!

Efi has been making robots since she was little - machines to better her community and improve people's lives. But after she witnesses Doomfist's catastrophic attack on the city's OR15 security bots, Efi feels the call to build something greater: a true guardian of Numbani.

While Doomfist sows discord between humans and omnics, Efi engineers an intelligent and compassionate robot, Orisa, named after the powerful spirits who guide her people. Orisa has a lot to learn before she's ready to defeat Doomfist, but Efi has some learning to do, too, especially when it comes to building - and being - a hero. With Doomfist rallying his forces, and the military powerless to stop him, can Efi mold Orisa into the hero of Numbani before it's too late?

This action-packed novel features the fan-favorite characters Efi, Orisa, Doomfist, and Lúcio in an all-new, original story straight from the minds of the Overwatch game team and critically acclaimed author Nicky Drayden!

©2020 Nicky Drayden (P)2020 Scholastic Inc

An amazing story for players and non players!

Nicky does an amazing job writing the story of Efi and Orisa! Cherrelle is equally amazing as a narrator. She really brings the story to life. Every character is unique and likeable. The story is entertaining. It's kinda short, but is very well written. I really can't wait for more of these Overwatch books!

My only criticism is for the first minute or two of the book. The music that plays while the book starts is so loud and it makes it difficult to hear the narrator. Luckily this only lasts for a minute or two.

Cute story Highly recommend

The book does start off slow but it picks up really nicely as the story unfolds. The narrator does and excellent job of speaking and separating different character voices.

Great story, phenomenal performance.

A very cute story with several exciting Easter Eggs for Overwatch Players, and perhaps a tie in for the characters into the upcoming sequel?

Cherelle’s performance was incredible. The different voices and accents she gave each of the characters were flawless. A heavy recommendation to all OW fans.

Great overall audiobook

This book was overall a good story with a great performance by Cherrelle Skeete. I only had 3 issues with this audiobook: 1) The story was a bit predictable if you already know a lot of Overwatch's story; 2) In chapters 17 and 18 there were audio editing issues; and 3) Slight spoiler: The story emphasized not having money to do stuff constantly, but Efi had a business and a quarterly money grant. I understand that money is very often restrictive in reality, but when you are able to create the reality, I think you could find other obstacles to use.

A fun intro to Afro-futurism

This is an outstanding introduction to the themes and feel of afro-futurism, made accessible by the Overwatch setting familiar to gamers!

Great book, tiny technical errors

This book was great, and Cherrelle did a great job reading/performing it. My only complaint is that there seem to be a few small technical errors in one or two chapters. For example, in chapter 9, it sounds like there was a spot that the audio editor forgot to cut out, like an outtake where Cherrelle read something twice. There was another spot before this with a similar editing error, but I don't remember exactly where it was.

Enjoyable for Overwatch and/or Big Hero 6 fans

The story itself isn't anything new; basically a story about a child making mistakes and growing from them with the help of a robot best friend who's pretty much a war machine. If you're not tired of this story, you'll enjoy it about as much as the rest. If you're also a fan of Overwatch's characters or story, then you'll definitely enjoy this more. It adds lots of new characters and backstory to probably the most wholesome Hero in the game while potentially setting up a part of what may be to come from the upcoming Overwatch 2. Although, this is a story focused on Efi and Orisa, so don't expect many other Heroes to be more than just names mentioned.

The only problem I had with this was a bit of the narration. A few parts of the narration were repeated twice; while a small issue, it did still bring me out of the book. And while just a nitpick, I felt some voices could've been done better, like giving Doomfist a deeper voice or removing the accents on some minor characters. Overall though, the narration is well done.

Amazing!!! A must-read for any Overwatch fan.

Great story!! its charming, uplifting, and feel-good. feels just like the Overwatch in both tone and setting. a little slow start but every character is memorable and is effortless to be interested in.

Narrator is also so amazing, expressive, and does voices for the different characters. She speaks in such a pleasant and soothing way, its easy to just fall into a transe and let the story carry you.

Lots of great easter eggs for Overwatch lore nerds like myself, but also great lore insight to one of Overwatch's least talked about founding members, Gabrielle Adawe. Really great characterization for the biggest villian in Overwatch, Doomfist. Which outside of this story (as of when I'm posting this anyways) we don't hear enough about!

Its been about a year since I purchased it and whenever I'm really itching for Overwatch content during this content drought, I find myself coming back to this story!

Can't sing its praises enough, i recommend it to everyone. This is the only audio book i even have on my audible account right now. so i imagine if you often listen to audiobooks, then this is just an instant must-buy.